Des Moines Mom Movers & Shakers is an annual series celebrating local moms who are thinking outside the box and making a difference in the community through the businesses they own, organizations they are involved in, and the work they do. Check out the rest of the series and read profiles from previous years here.
Mallory and her family live on the Northside of Des Moines. Mallory opened Des Moines Mercantile in the Highland Park neighborhood in 2020.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your family.
I own Des Moines Mercantile in Highland Park on the Northside of Des Moines. Des Moines Mercantile is a modern general store that carries natural and handmade goods, a lot of which are made by artists right here in Iowa! My family and I live just five minutes from the shop in a 100 year-old brick home. My husband works from home in the charitable investment world. Our son was born a whole year ago which is nearly impossible to believe!
What do you consider the biggest challenge of motherhood to be? Biggest joy?
Like so many things in life, I would say the biggest challenge has been the lack of control – ha! At the end of my day, my babe is loved and safe and that is something I have to continually remind myself. The biggest joy has been watching him grow! I knew it would be amazing but my goodness – it is the coolest thing I have the gift of experiencing in life.
When did you open Des Moines Mercantile? What was your inspiration?
Des Moines Mercantile opened its doors for the first time in June of 2020. I often get big eyes from folks when I share that! Yes, I opened a brick and mortar shop in 2020 during COVID. My inspiration from the beginning has always been the loads of talented makers and artisans that exist around us. From broom making, to letterpress, to soap making, the ability the people have to create fuels my passion for doing what I do. My hope was (and is) to provide a place to celebrate handmade goods and the beauty they bring to our everyday lives.
What’s the best part about being your own boss?
Having the freedom to foster and create something on my own is one of the most empowering things I have done.
What’s the hardest part about running your own business?
I would say not having more hours in the day or an extra day in the week. I have to hold my to-do list loosely and pivot when things don’t go how I envision them. This has especially been a good lesson since becoming a mom.
What advice do you have for moms who want to start a business?
Don’t be afraid to ask for help even if that means taking time to care for yourself.
What do you wish you knew when you started?
This isn’t a romantic answer by any means, but I have switched website and point of sale systems three times in 5 years! So I wish I would have asked around more or done more research to get it right the first time around because that has been a lot of work through the years!
What do you love about raising a family in Des Moines?
I’m not the most qualified to answer this since I’ve only been a mom for 1 year but we do love the parks and bike trails.
Quick Takes
Favorite local restaurant
Clyde’s
Best place to take kids
We have a one year-old so I’m not an expert but we do enjoy the bike trails in Des Moines!
Favorite summer activity
Bike rides
How/where do you relax?
Reading a book at home
Know a Des Moines mom we should feature? Let us know! Email [email protected] with details and we will be in touch.
